According to NBA insider Zach Lowe of ESPN, the Indiana Pacers tried to acquire Lauri Markkanen from the Utah Jazz before trading for Toronto Raptors star Pascal Siakam.
The Jazz had zero interest in trading Markkanen, so the Pacers pivoted to Siakam.
“In a nice bit of symmetry, the Pacers in prior weeks — before they were sure Siakam would be available — were one of several teams to call Utah about Markkanen, sources said,” Lowe wrote. “The Jazz in those brief talks showed zero interest in moving Markkanen, sources said.”
Siakam becomes an unrestricted free agent this summer, so he could leave the Pacers. Siakam’s agent, Todd Ramasar, told NBA reporter Mark Medina of Sportskeeda that his client is happy to be with the Pacers.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Pascal Siakam, Lauri Markkanen, Indiana Pacers Updates
“I could see Pascal in Indiana long term,” Ramasar said. “They want to see Pascal with the organization long term. He’s excited. There are a lot of memories up in Toronto, and a lot of good memories. Although things have changed to where he’s been moved, he’s ecstatic about the opportunity ahead of him in Indiana. First of all, it’s a first-class organization. When you look at [President] Kevin Pritchard and [general manager] Chad Buchanan, these are basketball guys with an organization that always has had basketball executives from Larry Bird to Donnie Walsh that have been there. Their front office is first class.”
Siakam is averaging 22.2 points, 6.3 rebounds, 4.9 assists, 0.8 steals and 0.3 blocks this season while shooting 52.2% from the floor, 31.7% from 3 and 75.8% from the free-throw line. He’s making $37.9 million.
Meanwhile, Markkanen is averaging 24.1 points, 8.8 rebounds, 1.9 assists, 0.9 steals and 0.6 blocks while shooting 49.8% from the field, 39.8% from beyond the arc and 87.7% from the foul line. He’s making $17.3 million.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Pascal Siakam, Lauri Markkanen, Indiana Pacers Updates
Markkanen’s salary for next season is partially guaranteed. The Jazz are expected to sign Markkanen to a new contract after this season.
Want the latest NBA analysis, breaking news, and insider information? Click Here. Follow NBA Analysis Network on Twitter and Facebook.
Interested in reading the latest storylines and analysis in the NFL? Check out our partner NFL Analysis Network.
